Richelle L. Oakley

The impact of self-selected identity on productive or perverse social capital in social network sites

Social network sites can provide a person with the freedom to represent themselves in various ways, thus exhibiting multiple variations of their identity. Research states that an individuals identity is self-monitored depending on the contextual situation that they are in. The type of social capital that one derives from social network sites can be impacted by this self-monitoring ability. Current research has addressed how productive social capital can be gained in social network sites. However, limited research has addressed the issue of perverse social capital, especially in social network sites. We argue that social network sites are a particularly unique environment that can affect an individuals representation of their identity, thus increasing the likelihood of producing perverse social capital. We examine how technology affects an individuals selected self-identity, as measured through their self-monitoring ability, and how this altered behavior leads to productive or perverse social capital in social network sites.

Examining the impact of computer-mediated social networks on individual consumerism environmental behaviors

Abstract Researchers have begun to examine the impact that information technology (IT) can have on the environmental behavior of individuals, organizations, environments and markets. Computer-mediated social networks (CMSNs) create a multi-nodal social environment where individual behavior is virtually impacted, and subsequently, physically modified. Human–computer interaction researchers have begun to study the impact that IT has on environmental sustainability. Interest has arisen around the influence on non-verbal cues in impacting social norms and encouraging consistent environmentally conscious behavior. Extant research has not yet considered the social interactions that occur within a CMSN and how such interaction might further facilitate the adoption of environmental behaviors. Using survey results of 234 individuals, this study examines the impact that CMSNs have on environmental consumerism, where individuals purchasing and consumption habits take one’s environmental impact into consideration.

Examining the Role of Business Intelligence in Non-profit Organizations to Support Strategic Social Goals

Many non-profit organizations have prioritized the need to be transparent in operating procedures, allocation of funds, and the impact of programs aimed at reducing social issues. In an effort to support this practical business need, we highlight how non-profits utilize information systems (IS) to support their strategic social goals through a case study. We examine business intelligence (BI) practices at a United Way affiliate that created new knowledge on the impact of its programs in the community. The United Way affiliate derived value from the organizations utilization of an integrated data system which provided visual and spatial map analyses and traditional analytical reports. We examine the relationship between BI-facilitated intellectual capital and its resultant impact on the non-profits social goal. Lastly, we discuss lessons learned and provide recommendations for other non-profit organizations engaging in BI practices.